Childhood Dreams: Visiting Biosphere 2

I remember getting PBS-inspired 3-2-1 Contact magazine in the mail.  Actually "young" for the show's recommended age, I watched with both fascination and pride.  I read an article about the initial Biosphere 2 project -- 8 scientists about to be locked in to an enclosed, self-sustaining habitat in the Southwest.  Those scientists inspired me -- I wanted to be a Biospherian the same way I wanted to be an astronaut.  The attraction is magnetic.

Fast forward a few decades, and I find myself in Arizona, awaiting a tour of Biosphere 2 from an animated educational psychology graduate student.  He's working to understand how we learn scientific content from informal education.  It strikes me I should recommend Colleen Dilenschneider's blog to him.

There's an opening film that's updated to include current projects, including a massive collection of data about rainforests in drought conditions and the famed Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO).  There's an original Biospherian "apartment" on display.  But more importantly, there's a truly immersive tour that walks the space, including content on how the project was engineered, what species can be observed on site, and a dash of history of the original Biospherians.  This. Is. A. Massive. And. Stunning. Lab. I wanted my school's biotechnology students to be there with me.

The resilience so common in the desert -- and certainly part of the way the desert becomes restorative -- is apparent in Biosphere 2.  Now fascinated with technical education, the "technosphere" of the project, or the mechanics of its "breathing," power, and other systems, tells just as amazing of a story.

On the tour in a small group, you can even see Biosphere "lungs" (more like a diaphragm) work, essentially keeping all that glass from collapsing when the air pressure changes.  There's really nothing like it.  You'll look and wonder and ask questions.

I've been introduced as a person who asks why -- a LOT.  While that reflects a Millennial desire for purpose, it also reflects the glories of 3-2-1 Contact.  I'm not alone.

Things to Know

• This trip is poppy approved!  If you self-identify as a science nerd (in the positive way) and/or like to make connections between disparate areas of study, this place is for you, the intellectually curious!  You do not need to know a lot about anything specific to engage in the tour, but you should think things like seeing one of two lunar greenhouses in existence (the other is in Antarctica) is cool.

• The drive to Biosphere 2 is an easy 45 minutes from Tucson, about an hour more from Phoenix, and through "populated desert" (you'll pass a Walmart and similar).  You will venture off the main road on a dedicated road to reach the site itself.  The road is paved and all, but it beckons a little adventure.
• You enter through the gift shop.  I was glad I bought my souvenir patch upon arrival -- the shop was closed when I returned.
• Be prepared to walk and to spend time in varied temperatures/levels of humidity.  You will walk "down" to the Biosphere 2 site and get great views of it -- and the desert -- along the way.
• I visited in September late in their operational day.  Crowds were scant, and we had extra time with our tour guide accordingly.  If you can visit when it is not likely to be crowded, do.  You'll have more time to linger.  Our guide advised winter holidays could be quite crowded.
• TripAdvisor may tell you this is a "science museum," but it is really an active science site.  There are some exhibits, but not the kind that involve children punching buttons.  There are some specialized tours and some additional educational programming options, including overnights.  Similarly, you can contact the staff and plan a retreat or similar here.
• There's a cafe, and this would be a nice picnic spot if you are up for adventure picnic -- or asking the staff if you can sit at one of the picnic tables outside.  They are a little out-of-the-way, and I'm not sure they are intended for tourists.
• Look for possible deals on Groupon.  There are some discounts for students and the like -- but nothing like AAA.  Allot about $20 a person in admission.  I spent about 3 hours hanging around looking at exhibits and taking the typical tour.
• Yes, mobile service is a bit spotty -- plan for it.

For Further Exploration

• Wondering why the history of Biosphere 2 is important and what it says about our humanity?  Start at Lessons from Biosphere 2.  Think about the ambition of the early 90s in particular.
• Planning an Arizona road trip?  That's a great idea!  You can land a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from many destinations and drive around pretty easily.  For suggestions, see also Dave and Deb's Ultimate 10-Day Arizona Road Trip.  And of course, check out The Halterman Weekend's adventures in Arizona, including Phoenix, Sedona, and Montezuma Well and Castle.